E minor sixth (Em6) chord on piano

Minor sixth chord (a minor triad plus a major sixth) on E: the notes of the Em6 chord are E – G – B – C♯.

Root position: E4 – G4 – B4 – C♯5

What the Em6 chord sounds like

A minor sixth chord is a minor triad with a major sixth: dark but taut, with a film-noir feel. It is a common minor tonic in gypsy jazz, tango and jazz.

Notes of the Em6 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E	root
3	G	minor third (3 semitones)
5	B	perfect fifth (7 semitones)
6	C♯	major sixth (9 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

E4 – G4 – B4 – C♯5

1st inversion

G4 – B4 – C♯5 – E5

2nd inversion

B4 – C♯5 – E5 – G5

3rd inversion

C♯5 – E5 – G5 – B5

Which keys is it in?

The Em6 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

B minor: iv6 (subdominant)
D major: ii6

Similar chords and substitutes

If Em6 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

G – relative major: two shared notes
C – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
Em7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Same notes

C♯m7b5 – the same notes with a different root

Simpler versions

Em – all 3 of its notes are in this chord

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Em6 chord?

E, G, B, C♯. The root is E; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth, major sixth.

How do I play the Em6 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the Em6 chord written?

The chord symbol is Em6, and its full name is E minor sixth.